Where in Japan are Bob & Chris December 31

Today Bob and Chris were on their way back to Kumamoto from three days off in Kyoto. They had a relaxed and fast travel time on the Shinkansen. This is Japan’s famous bullet train. Bob first rode on this train way back in 1970 when he went from Tokyo to Kyoto as a student. Then it went 125 MPH. Today’s version is even faster. The trains allow one to travel from city center to city center in the comfort of a lazy boy recliner. Upon arriving home it was New Year’s eve and close to midnight. After dropping their bags at the apartment Bob and Chris went to Kumamoto Castle to see what happens on this all important holiday in Japan. At Kumamoto Castle there is a shrine. Throughout Japan people come to the various shrines on New Year’s Eve or during the 1st few days of the New Year. This is one of two times each year when most Japanese (non Christian) will routinely “worship”. On New Year’s Eve there were huge crowds at the shrine next to Kumamoto Castle. They lined up twenty people wide and about 200 yards long waiting for the opportunity to walk up to the shrine and worship; clap twice; bow twice; clap once and bow once. They then go and get a fortune or perhaps some amulet to take home for the coming year. They may tie prayer requests on the prayer wires or trees in the area. Prayers are of an individual nature. They will not be back to the shrine until next year. They will worship again however in August. That is when they go to a Buddhist Temple to honor the dead. Twice a year huge numbers come to the shrine and temple. The rest of the year it is secularism and the discipline of an ancient culture that guides life in Japan. Bob and Chris were impressed with what they witnessed. Despite the huge crowds and the influence of New Year’s evening spirits upon many of the people there was no unruly behavior. There was no pushing and shoving in lines. The people simply waited in line and when invited forward placed their offering in the offering box and paid the proper respects to the shrine. Before Bob and Chris left the area they did take some pictures and partake of some food from the multitude of tent vendors that surround the shrine. Chris had some teriyaki steak on a stick. Bob’s choice was a package of eight seasoned dough balls fried to a golden brown and smothered in sauce and fish fakes with a piece of Octopus inside each one. After an interesting evening they returned to the apartment for rest. One question seemed to come to both of them after reflecting on what they had seen this night. Can people live faithful lives if they worship only twice each year?

Keep praying,

Zen Ben